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It's Fun to Play the Piano ... Please Pass It On!

You know, I feel that anyone who makes the attempt to play any type of instrument is expanding their minds! And outlook on life! music person and I flatly told them to remember that they had to begin somewhere! Everyone else I've met, look at me and truly rejoice with me that I am untaking something that I truly enjoy

Now, if I do decide after I finally finish this masters program to go into a college course on music, then I'll worry! Until then, Nah!

Hi, I am new to the Forum and this is my first post. I am not sure if this is the correct thread. If not, please let me know where I should ask this kind of questions.

I am a restarter, and as many restarter must have done, I am assessing my level to decide what books to buy. I have searched Amazon's and the Alfred's series look good, but their naming and numbering really confused me.

Like even for this thread, it says it is for Alfred's Basic and All-In-One; but from the charts from the back of Alfred's books, Beginner Alfred's Basic has 6 LEVELS[/b], whereas Beginner All-In-One Course has 5 BOOKS[/b], and the numberings don't go together either. Book 5 of the all-in-one corresponds to roughly level 3 or Alfred's Basic.

Then there is a "Later Beginner All-In_One Adult Piano Course" which has 3 levels.

Maybe I will just end with my first question on this forum: which one are talking about here on this thread? I am asking this so that hopefully I can follow along later.

Alfred Basic Piano Course (6 levels) is meant for children. Although adults can and have use it also. Each level has several books - piano, theory, technique, performance, etc. The All-in-One is a combination so that you only need one book.

The "Later Beginner" course is meant for older kids who are just starting. It moves a little faster than the basic.

The "Alfred Basic Adult Piano Course" (3 levels)is meant for adults. It also has more than one book at each level, the most important extra book being the theory book.

The "Alfred Basic Adult All-in-One" course, which most of the people on these threads are using is a combination of the basic lesson book plus some pages from the theory book, and some pages from the finger exercise (whatever it's called) book. This book is also preferred because it has a spiral binding and stays open better on the piano.

mom3gram, thanks for clearning things up. I happen to have the "Alfred Basica Adult Piano Course - Adult All-In-One Course : Lesson - Theory - Technic" from inter-library loan. I think this must be the one we are talking about here.

From the backcover, it looks like there are 3 levels on this series. Is that all? Because I preview Level 3 from Amazon, and the songs look not too difficult for me. Even those in the "ambitious" section like Moonlight Sonata (probably edited) and "Fur Elise" don't look bad. I can't just sight read and play them immediately, but they don't look difficult to learn.

I am still planning to get the 3 books as a reference, but if there are only 3 levels in this series, what books do you think I should get for graded instructions?

Dave - Start with All-In-One, Level 3 - try some pieces at random throughout the book - see how it goes - check out the "Ambitious" section next - see if they're a challenge or not - you should know soon enough whether or not it's useful to you - if not, well there is no Alfred Adult 4 - feel free to compile one, if you wish :p - beyond Alfred 3 the choices are wide open and yours to make - I've seen several graded series recommended elsewhere in the Forums - here is one published by Alfred that could be used as the basis for additional organized, progressive study (along with other supplemental sources), but I'm not familiar at all with it's overall quality or utility; and there is a series edited by Keith Snell which seems to get good reviews:

Originally posted by DaveInMichigan:John, I noticed you mentioned "Abide with Me" and "Fairest Lord Jesus," two of my most favorite hymns. What book are you using that has these hymns? I don't think they are in Book 3. [/b]

Dave - you are correct that they are not in Book 3 - the only hymn in Book 3 that I am aware of is what the authors call "An American Hymn" (which is an old favorite much more commonly known as "Shall We Gather at the River"?)

I am actually playing two different arrangements of each of the hymns you mention. The 1st version of each comes from a book which is basically a companion to the Alfred Adult series and which is called: "Alfred's Basic Adult Sacred Piano Book, Level 2". The arrangements in this are very good and are roughly equivalent in technical demand to the pieces found in Alfred 2 (in fact they are coordinated by page number). Here is a link to it at sheetmusicplus.com:

The 2nd version of each is taken from a book entitled "The Definitive Hymn Collection - 218 Multi-Denominational Hymns". The arrangements in this are a little more advanced (e.g., multiple RH harmonies), and here is a link to it:

I'm trying to combine the 2 arrangements of each into one modified, enhanced version of each. For example, playing the 1st verse with arrangement 1, the 2nd verse with arrangement 2, etc. So far it a little slow going because the "Definitive" arrangements are still a bit of a challenge for me - but not for long!

Regards, JF

_________________________
Every difficulty slurred over will be a ghost to disturb your repose later on. Frederic Chopin

I didn't know fandango was a latin type piece so I rushed out and took my alfreds out and boy did I love it. Being latin myself I love that kind of music. It was a break to play something so simple and beautiful after having to play the tedious classical stuff I'm playing now.

I want to play some latin and Irish music for a change. I just received a shipment from sheetmusicplus and I'm going to bring it with me as a hint hint for my teacher.

In addition I saw where IrishMak, mentioned "Toreador" so I'm going to play that on the side as well probably today if I have time.

I'm reading the posts here and the discussion on what level is achieved after completing alfreds and I have to agree with early Intermediate.

I'm not a teacher nor do I feel qualified to recommend but I'm going to say this from my own experience.

Supplement your alfreds heavily with original pieces. That right there is going to help you more than any arranged pieces in the books out there.

It's fine if all you want to do is play arrangements from the time you finish your method books but if you want to play original pieces start now if you haven't already.

Not only is it going to help you progress in levels but it's going to help you technically as well with finger independence especially for the left hand, strength and all kinds of stuff for lack of a better word.

The progress you guys will make is going to be remarkable.

Muzio Clementis sonatina op 36. no 1 is a really good place to start. All three movements. It's easy but nice and it works your fingers speed, dexterity and so on and so forth.

As JF mentioned the keyboard repertoir is good. I would study from there as opposed to arrangements you'll develop more from original pieces.

_________________________
Fuzzy Wuzzy was a bear, Fuzzy Wuzzy had no hair.>>> Herman Munster

JF, thanks for the link. Our library system here has both books, so I will check out the second one. The first one is a little "too easy" for me.

I currently have also "Twenty Piano Duet Transcriptions of Favorite Hymns" (also through the loan). If you have another person who can play four hands with you, this book is great. It is quite doable for someone in Alfred 3. I think I am going to do "Come, Thou Almighty King" with a teenager next month or March.

Quote:

I'm reading the posts here and the discussion on what level is achieved after completing alfreds and I have to agree with early Intermediate.

OG, I agree. I have searched Book 3, the selections (outside of the ambitious section) look so easy to me. Even "Moonlight Sonata" in the ambitious section doesn't look ambitious to me (this is by no means meant to be an arrogant statement. It is just that we have to describe our levels, which I am still assessing, with words.)

Then I started to check out the repertoire books (with Amazon preview), and I think I am probably between early intermediate and intermediate. I will also check out some fingering and exercise books.

Well, I have probably "pirated" this thread too much. I will stop now as this is supposed to be discussion on the study on Book 3. Sorry about this and thanks all! Hope to see you all in other threads. It is great to be here.

I didn't know fandango was a latin type piece so I rushed out and took my alfreds out and boy did I love it. Being latin myself I love that kind of music. It was a break to play something so simple and beautiful after having to play the tedious classical stuff I'm playing now.

I want to play some latin and Irish music for a change. I just received a shipment from sheetmusicplus and I'm going to bring it with me as a hint hint for my teacher.

I'm reading the posts here and the discussion on what level is achieved after completing alfreds and I have to agree with early Intermediate.

Supplement your alfreds heavily with original pieces.

It's fine if all you want to do is play arrangements from the time you finish your method books but if you want to play original pieces start now if you haven't already.

Not only is it going to help you progress in levels but it's going to help you technically as well with finger independence especially for the left hand, strength and all kinds of stuff for lack of a better word.

As JF mentioned the keyboard repertoir is good. I would study from there as opposed to arrangements you'll develop more from original pieces. [/b]

OG - glad you liked Fandango - yes, a fun piece to play - wish it was longer and a little more complex - if you find anything like that let me know - love those Latin pices myself.

Also - good advice on playing "original" pieces.

Regards, JF

_________________________
Every difficulty slurred over will be a ghost to disturb your repose later on. Frederic Chopin

Hi again gang - here's a progress report (because inquiring minds want to know ) - Finally got a decent recording of "Serenade" which you should be able to hear in a special thread here in the ABF in about 3 weeks or so.

Also, put the finishing touches on "The Grand Piano Band" in Book 3 and moving deeply into "A Very Special Day" - nice piece.

Additionally, finished The Beethoven Minuet in G and ready to move on to a minuet by Handel from his "Music for the Royal Fireworks" suite.

And, I'm about ready to start another hymn from "The Definitive Hymn Collection", but not sure which one yet (maybe "Be Stll My Soul".

Regards, JF

_________________________
Every difficulty slurred over will be a ghost to disturb your repose later on. Frederic Chopin

Thought I'd drop by here to share my 'progress'. I'm joining John F, I just started working on ' a very special day', although the string quartet still needs a finishing touch. It's trickier than it looks to play it nicely, especially the bottom line with the non-alberti-bass. And I sometimes mess around a bit with the fingering, which doesn't help.

I'm also heavily into the etudes at the moment (Not Hanon, but similar I guess). I really like it to isolate some specific technical detail and work on it. Managed last week to play something with now and then a staccato note with the left hand, while holding a note to its full value (tenuto??) with the other one. Tricky stuff, but it really pays of.

AlsO struggling with the Moonlight Sonate, Its beautiful, but the stretches for the right hand are quite big. Well, in fact its mostly an octave, but then you have to do other stuff with some notes in between as well. And for someone who was struggling a month ago with playing the left hand softer then the right...I am now supposed to play with just my right hand some soft broken chords, AND a louder melody line (with the pink). Its a challenge. But my teacher is convinced I'll manage it so I'll keep on working on it for the next weeks, while continuing the 'normal' way through book 3 as well.

Have fun playing everyone!! And I'll try to post a bit more often, it's a bit quiet around here lately...

Thought I'd drop by here to share my 'progress'. I'm joining John F, I just started working on ' a very special day', although the string quartet still needs a finishing touch. It's trickier than it looks to play it nicely, especially the bottom line with the non-alberti-bass. And I sometimes mess around a bit with the fingering, which doesn't help.

. . . . .

Have fun playing everyone!! And I'll try to post a bit more often, it's a bit quiet around here lately...

IngridT[/b]

Ingrid - glad you "dropped by" - Yes, the Serenade piece is a little tricky thru those 3 measures that were discussed before, and I concentrated on that part hard enough to just be able to get thru that section when I made my recording - but now a week or so later I would probably have to practice it all over again - I think it's going to be my piece submitted to the upcoming ABF Recital on Feb. 15th - but not definitely sure yet. Are you submittting a piece?

Let me know how you like "A Very Special Day" which I'm also going to record in a day or two as soon as I get the ending down pat.

Yes, things have been a little quiet around here lately (it's all your fault :p )- OldFingers said he would be away for a couple of weeks, but I'm not sure what Mak or Cyborg or piano4 are up to lately - I guess we'll hear from them sooner or later.

Keep hammering away at "Moonlight" - you'll get it in time.

Regards, JF

_________________________
Every difficulty slurred over will be a ghost to disturb your repose later on. Frederic Chopin

I've been up to shoveling snow and chopping ice! LOL Oh, wait, were you referring to piano???

Finishing up Toreador Song- my teacher would have let me drop it this week, but I'm not completely ready to do that yet. I'm not quite happy with the end. The rest is, if not quite good, at least decent, and I would like to get the ending up to the same level.

Rock A My Soul- having a bit of a time with the left hand dotted eighth followed by a sixteenth pattern. Instead of a nice, syncopated rhythm, it sounds like mush! So that's my assignment for this week with that one- work that left hand!

October Morning (from Romantic Impressions, Bk. 2)- just need to smooth out a couple places on the 3rd page.

Beautiful Dreams (same book)- played through it cold at my lesson. Ummm, not pretty! LOL But it will be, I think. Another 3 pager, so I don't have to work on the whole thing, thank heaven! And it's marked Allegretto, which is always a bugger for me. I just can't seem to play anything fast!

And then just trying to keep up with the stuff I'm supposed to already "know." Boy, is that an eye-opener if I haven't played one of them in a while!

_________________________
-Mak

1889 Mason & Hamlin screwstringer uprightKawai MP-4 digital

---------------------------When life hands you lemons, throw them back and add some of your own. Stupid life.

I'm hanging around... work and grad class have gotten to me I've just finished my paper and it's late, so I won't be working on anything tonight.

Sorry to bring up Christmas songs, finished "O Holy Night" and, I thought I had it down to an exact science My instructor mentioned to me that she knows I know my notes: there are two places that i was relying on my ears instead of the notes. I was kind of bummed out about that but, on the other hand, just knowing that I can play this is a most enlightening experience

Now, I have "Toccata in D minor" and it's a doozy! And I'm only on the first page

I am learning piano from two months ago , a friend of mine gave me a copy of "Alfred book all in one course for piano Vol 1" in pdf , in my country is very difficult to get books from USA because the prices are high and there are not places that get them , this book is very easy for beginners like me , i am learning a lot, it's fantastic, but i would like to grateful if someone could help me in get the audio for that book, the audio examples inside this book.

Originally posted by jobs99: I am learning piano from two months ago , a friend of mine gave me a copy of "Alfred book all in one course for piano Vol 1" in pdf , in my country is very difficult to get books from USA because the prices are high and there are not places that get them , this book is very easy for beginners like me , i am learning a lot, it's fantastic, but i would like to grateful if someone could help me in get the audio for that book, the audio examples inside this book.

Originally posted by John Frank: Mak - tell us a little about "Romantic Impressions" - Thanks.[/b]

Sure. There are four volumes in the series, all with original compostitions by Martha Mier. I have books 1 and 2. I've finished going thru book 1, and started book 2. The pieces are not exceptionally difficult, but very pretty, if you like the Romantic style (think Debussy or Schumann, perhaps).

From Ms. Mier's introduction to the books:

"Romantic Impressions was especially written to provide pianists with the experience of expressive playing. Playing in a lyrical, expressive and romantic style is an important aspect in the development of the intermediate pianist.

Warm, lyrical, cantabile melodies and rich harmonic structures are found in this collection, which will appeal to pianists of any age who harbor a romantic soul!

It is my wish that playing this music will bring out the romantic in you, and leave you with lasting Romantic Impressions."

The first book is labeled for Early Intermediate to Intermediate pianists, and the second for Intermediate to Late Intermediate.

I'm really enjoying these books as a supplement to the Alfred's Adult book. My teacher hadn't known about Ms. Mier before I brought in the first book, but she's since gotten a few for other of her students.

_________________________
-Mak

1889 Mason & Hamlin screwstringer uprightKawai MP-4 digital

---------------------------When life hands you lemons, throw them back and add some of your own. Stupid life.

I have that romantic impressions book right here. I didn't play through it completely, but It was recommended to me as a 'extra' book by our local music-book-store, and I remember my teacher telling me that she was a big fan of Martha Mier (meaning Martha Ant in dutch, funny name).

I only got part 1 here. So there's more???

Hmhm, too much music, too little time!!

Ingrid (anybody played the Alfred duet books by the way? There's 2 parts, nicely connected to the adult course 1 and 2. I played them both completely, with my teacher doing the 'B' part. Very nice pieces, also when you play them solo. I am now studying some of the background parts myself to play with my oldest son. So much fun!)

Oh and Mark....it was the Gymnopedie instead of the Gnossienne. Also very nice. I dropped Gnossienne 6 FTTB. It's difficult, but also a lot different then the other 5, much more modern. I guess I'll come back to it some time in the future. I have the Gymnopedie book as well. Maybe I'll start working on those over the summer (last summer I did de first 3 Gnossiennes as a kind of holiday-assignment. Was fun! I re-playead all 5 I 'mastered' last week a few times. I hadn't played them for a few weeks, and oh boy, I started losing them already. If I really want to keep them alive I'll have to play them at least every other week or so. A few months back I played most of them by memory.)

And John..you asked about recording. I still have to figure out a way to take care of that. I'd love to play you guys a Satie piece, or one of the Alfred pieces. Would be nive to get some honest feedback from 'peers' or constructive criticism. But apart from a mobile phone there's no recording devices in the house. You guys think I can handle it with that? or at least try out something the youtube way? (also never done that). I know there's a whole description of the process floating around the forum somewhere, but it sounded pretty complicated (or, more likely, I was not really in the mood to absorb it and remember what the easy way was to take care of it)

Ingrid

(edited to take care of roughly 21 typo's . I really sounded like officer Crabtree out of 'Allo Allo' (which you probably don't know, but he speaks a very weird version of the english language))